In advance of the broadcasting of a major TG4 drama-documentary highlighting the miscarriage of justice in his case, it has been confirmed thatPresident Michael D. Higgins will today sign the warrant granting a posthumous pardon to Myles Joyce (Maolra Seoighe), who was hanged in the wrong, for the Mám Trasna murders, 136 years ago.

The signing of the pardon for Myles Joyce is to take place at Áras an Uachtaráin, today, Wednesday, 4th April, at 17.00.

Murdair Mhám Trasna, a feature length film commissioned by TG4 and co-funded by the BAI, tells the story of the miscarriage of justice which ensued, due to perjury and bribery, after the brutal murder of five members of the same family in Mám Trasna in the West of Ireland in 1882, which eventually contributed to the fall of a British government. It will also have its television premiere this evening, April 4th, at 21.30 on TG4 and worldwide on the TG4player.

TG4’s Director General, Alan Esslemont says, "This Gaeltacht story, with its national and international dimensions, will resonate with TG4's audience at home and abroad, as it has a unique mix of murder mystery, courtroom drama and political intrigue. TG4 are very proud that this production has contributed to the campaign to clear Myles Joyce’s name, which will hopefully now bring closure for his relatives.

Murdair Mhám Trasna is produced by Galway based production company ROSG. Producer of the film, Ciarán Ó Cofaigh, says, “We are delighted with the President's decision, on the advice of Government, to grant the pardon in this case. During filming we may have hoped that a pardon would eventually be granted, but never expected it to happen so quickly, even before the programme was broadcast. Anyone who watches the film, however, will be in no doubt that the granting of such a pardon is indeed the right and proper course of action in this case. We applaudPresident Higgins for his personal commitment to this issue of fundamental human and language rights”.

Murdair Mhám Trasna which is based on the book ‘Éagóir’, written by former Language Commissioner, Seán Ó Cuirreáin, is directed byColm Bairéad.